Few designers have blended Minimalism and Surrealism into artistic furniture as successfully as Shiro Kuramata. His experimentation with form, function, color and motif informed cabinets, chairs and side tables that are as mystifying as they are visually striking.
Born in Tokyo in 1934, Kuruamata studied at the Kuwasawa Design School. In the 1970s and ’80s, he explored industrial materials in his designs. Inspired by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, Kuramata produced irreverent and bold work. In 1981, Kuramata joined Sottsass in his founding of the Memphis Group, named for a Bob Dylan song. The Milan-based collective aimed to turn the status quo on its head and redefine what was considered appealing in modern furniture style.
His experience with the Memphis Group led Kuramata to embrace unconventional optical effects. No piece embodies this more skillfully than the Miss Blanche chair. Crafted with transparent resin and flecked with rose-petal flecks, it gives the illusion that the sitter is floating.
The How High the Moon armchair is a prime example of his playful nature and willingness to challenge the expectations for furniture design. Including shards of colored glass in concrete surfaces, his “star piece” material was prevalent throughout his work, giving the tops of his end tables and coffee tables a brazen, gem-encrusted appearance. His daring approach to design can also be seen in pieces like his sheer glass bookcases with their seemingly fragile shelves.
Kuramata created many visual delights before his death in 1991. His work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His pieces remain highly prized by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.
On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Shiro Kuramata seating, storage pieces, decorative objects and more.
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray1 Minimalist Japanese Design
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.
Aluminum
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray2 Minimalist Japanese Design
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.
Aluminum
Lalique French Crystal Jewelry Dish or Ashtray Leaf Design
By Lalique, René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, signed, Lalique crystal dish with decorative leaf and indent design around edge, circa 20th century, France. Piece is from French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Made...
Crystal
Solid Patinated English Bronze Crab Cancer Lidded Ashtray 420
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and heavy solid Bronze Ashtray in the shape of a Crab. This piece is a compliment as a decorative piece and also has a hinged top to be used as an ashtray for your perfect sm...
Bronze
$302Sale Price|28% Off
H 1.96 in Dm 3.93 in
Flavio Poli Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1960s Italian Design, 4"
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
Cat Brass Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1950 vintage cat brass ashtray or bowl. This can be used as a sculpture too.
Brass
$440Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.14 in Dm 5.11 in
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Sommerso Design, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing ashtray or catch-all By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,11" diameter x 3,14" H inches cm 13 x cm 8 H
Murano Glass
Fontana Arte Mirrored Crystal Italian Design, 1960s Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Fontana Arte 1960s Mirrored crystal Perfect condiction Measure: Diameter 16.5 cm, height 2.5 cm.
Crystal
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing green ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,75 H i...
Murano Glass
$420
H 0.79 in Dm 5.12 in
Sculpture by Max le Verrier, Ashtray in Brass, France circa 1960, Old Patina
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculpture by Max le Verrier, Ashtray in Brass, France circa 1960, Old Patina
Brass
$547Sale Price|30% Off
H 3.55 in Dm 5.91 in
Diamond Shaped Ashtray Shining Italy Design 1960s Transparent Glass
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Diamond shaped ashtray shining Italy design 1960s transparent glass.
Murano Glass
Petite Vintage Hollywood Regency Chinese Ceramic Elephant Ashtray
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite mid-20th century glazed ceramic elephant Ashtray. Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, man cave or bar.
Ceramic
Vintage Fly Ashtray in Brass, 1950s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare and decorative ashtray in solid brass, circa 1950.
Brass
Spanish Majolica Ceramic Ashtray / Vide-Poche, Clock Design, 1960s
By Alfaraz
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching terracotta glazed ceramic round ashtray with hand painted clock design, Spain, 1960s. Manufactured by Alfaraz workshop/studio at Madri...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta, Clay